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The Adventures of Niko Monroe #1
The Treasure Map
What if you faced a life and death adventure to maintain your faith?
Jack is a ten-year-old boy ready for a joyous Christmas vacation, but as punishment for a poor report card, he is tasked with cleaning out his family’s long-forgotten attic. Inside, he finds a chest with a treasure map and a letter that transports him to another time, place, and existence.
Jack finds himself living the life of a young man named Niko, an enemy of the State of Ariel, a martyr of the Faithful, sentenced to die during the Independence Day celebrations.
When an earthquake strikes, Niko finds the opportunity to escape, discovers a guide known only as the Elder, and teams up with a group of the Faithful to change history.
Sentenced to Die. One Chance for Escape. Can He Survive and Save the Faithful?
Jack is a ten-year-old boy ready for a joyous Christmas vacation, but as punishment for a poor report card, he is tasked with cleaning out his family’s long-forgotten attic. Inside, he finds a chest with a treasure map and a letter that transports him to another time, place, and existence.
Jack finds himself living the life of a young man named Niko, an enemy of the State of Ariel, a martyr of the Faithful, sentenced to die during the Independence Day celebrations.
When an earthquake strikes, Niko finds the opportunity to escape, discovers a guide known only as the Elder, and teams up with a group of the Faithful to change history.
Sentenced to Die. One Chance for Escape. Can He Survive and Save the Faithful?
164 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 4, 2019
58 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Tyler Scott Hess
16 books105 followersHi. I’m Tyler Scott Hess, a Christ-loving, adventure-writing, Christmas junkie who spends my days raising three kids with my wife, Beth!
My writing journey has taken me places I never imagined I’d go.
I’ve quit my job and abandoned society with Timmy Emerson in my first series, The Dream Saga.
Then I ditched the college life to join up with Adelaide as the new lead singer of a rock and roll band in The Adelaide Martin Duology.
Before I knew it, I was wrapped up in a small-town Christmas tree decorating contest with Nick and James Bishop in my holiday classic, Christmas in Pineville.
Out of nowhere, I slipped through time with Jack and Niko Monroe as they discover what it takes to live the life of the Faithful in The Adventures of Niko Monroe.
Writing is a fantastic adventure and I appreciate all of you who have gone on a ride with me! Let’s connect and see which adventure comes next.
My writing journey has taken me places I never imagined I’d go.
I’ve quit my job and abandoned society with Timmy Emerson in my first series, The Dream Saga.
Then I ditched the college life to join up with Adelaide as the new lead singer of a rock and roll band in The Adelaide Martin Duology.
Before I knew it, I was wrapped up in a small-town Christmas tree decorating contest with Nick and James Bishop in my holiday classic, Christmas in Pineville.
Out of nowhere, I slipped through time with Jack and Niko Monroe as they discover what it takes to live the life of the Faithful in The Adventures of Niko Monroe.
Writing is a fantastic adventure and I appreciate all of you who have gone on a ride with me! Let’s connect and see which adventure comes next.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 5, 2020
Great story with lessons
What would you sacrifice for your beliefs? You'll ask yourself that very question as you read this. It's fiction with a message, and an easy enough read for older kids who have graduated into chapter books. They might even add to their vocabulary (in a good way).
What would you sacrifice for your beliefs? You'll ask yourself that very question as you read this. It's fiction with a message, and an easy enough read for older kids who have graduated into chapter books. They might even add to their vocabulary (in a good way).
October 28, 2019
I agreed to write this honest objective review and received a complimentary pre-release copy to do so. It is the first Tyler Scott Hess book I have read.
The story changes time and place every few chapters, some chapters revealing 10-year-old Jack’s life working on cleaning up the attic while missing out on some of his family’s Christmas activities and being fascinated by the treasure map and letter. Other chapters take us into the time and place of the treasure map and letter where the Faithful are in trouble, in prison. Then an earthquake strikes and Niko finds the opportunity to escape. He discovers a guide known only as the Elder and finds a small group of the Faithful who also escaped during the earthquake. They concoct a plan to change history.
I enjoyed this story. Jack is a delightful, typical 10-year-old boy, and the story of Niko’s struggle is believabe and a little frightening.
The story grabbed my attention from the beginning and kept my attention until the end. Jack learned a lesson and learned more about his family. Tyler Scott Hess did a good job of tying Jack and Niko’s stories together as well.
This would be a great story to read aloud to your children. It’s a good story that is suitable for elementary age children through adult, although there is one murder/death near the end, but it is not dwelt upon and it is not graphic.
I recommend this book to families and to those who enjoy stories that include Christmas. I look forward to reading more of Mr. Hess’s books.
The story changes time and place every few chapters, some chapters revealing 10-year-old Jack’s life working on cleaning up the attic while missing out on some of his family’s Christmas activities and being fascinated by the treasure map and letter. Other chapters take us into the time and place of the treasure map and letter where the Faithful are in trouble, in prison. Then an earthquake strikes and Niko finds the opportunity to escape. He discovers a guide known only as the Elder and finds a small group of the Faithful who also escaped during the earthquake. They concoct a plan to change history.
I enjoyed this story. Jack is a delightful, typical 10-year-old boy, and the story of Niko’s struggle is believabe and a little frightening.
The story grabbed my attention from the beginning and kept my attention until the end. Jack learned a lesson and learned more about his family. Tyler Scott Hess did a good job of tying Jack and Niko’s stories together as well.
This would be a great story to read aloud to your children. It’s a good story that is suitable for elementary age children through adult, although there is one murder/death near the end, but it is not dwelt upon and it is not graphic.
I recommend this book to families and to those who enjoy stories that include Christmas. I look forward to reading more of Mr. Hess’s books.
October 6, 2020
Jack, having not lived up to his potential, is suffering the consequences of his actions and has to clean out a musty, forgotten attic where he finds a surprise waiting for him in a forgotten trunk.
I’m always a little hesitant when reading books with kids in them because some writers take children’s attitudes and snark to the extreme of disrespectfulness. Mr. Hess, however, pulls off the perfect balance of the typical 10-year-old’s attitude without getting overly snarky AND has his parents call him out on it. I really appreciated that. Also, kudos for sneaking in cleaning game ideas for kids and having a good attitude about it! I liked how Jack’s parents weren’t afraid to follow through on his punishment, but they also didn’t banish him from important family time either, allowing Jack to do that in a way that was telling him they needed him to ‘help’ his siblings and not because they were going easy on him.
The other storyline was very interesting. The jumps into and out of it were done well and I never felt like I was missing any information. It was a well built and believable world that I can’t wait to find out more about. While the spiritual aspect in this book isn’t as strong (or should I say detailed?) as his others that I have read, it is still very much there, especially in the secondary storyline.
*** One thing I do want to mention for parents: In the secondary storyline someone is shot through the head from a distance and blood goes everywhere. It is written similarly as I just did there, no details and no gore. I just want it to be made aware for anyone’s child who might be sensitive.
I only had a couple issues with this book. A few times there were some oddly worded sentences that I found somewhat distracting. Also, I was a bit disappointed to miss out on Jack’s dad explaining the map and everything to him as I wanted to know more about it myself.
I really enjoy Mr. Hess’ writing style and can’t wait to read the next book!
I’m always a little hesitant when reading books with kids in them because some writers take children’s attitudes and snark to the extreme of disrespectfulness. Mr. Hess, however, pulls off the perfect balance of the typical 10-year-old’s attitude without getting overly snarky AND has his parents call him out on it. I really appreciated that. Also, kudos for sneaking in cleaning game ideas for kids and having a good attitude about it! I liked how Jack’s parents weren’t afraid to follow through on his punishment, but they also didn’t banish him from important family time either, allowing Jack to do that in a way that was telling him they needed him to ‘help’ his siblings and not because they were going easy on him.
The other storyline was very interesting. The jumps into and out of it were done well and I never felt like I was missing any information. It was a well built and believable world that I can’t wait to find out more about. While the spiritual aspect in this book isn’t as strong (or should I say detailed?) as his others that I have read, it is still very much there, especially in the secondary storyline.
*** One thing I do want to mention for parents: In the secondary storyline someone is shot through the head from a distance and blood goes everywhere. It is written similarly as I just did there, no details and no gore. I just want it to be made aware for anyone’s child who might be sensitive.
I only had a couple issues with this book. A few times there were some oddly worded sentences that I found somewhat distracting. Also, I was a bit disappointed to miss out on Jack’s dad explaining the map and everything to him as I wanted to know more about it myself.
I really enjoy Mr. Hess’ writing style and can’t wait to read the next book!
June 1, 2020
Two stories intertwined in time!
Great intricate characters! Amazing backstory with the Monroes! Inspiring loyalty with the Faithful! A Truth that transcends places and history for those who know how to find it now! I’m hoping with how this ends means a book 2?! I deeply wish to read more about this interesting family’s mixed times! 😊
Great intricate characters! Amazing backstory with the Monroes! Inspiring loyalty with the Faithful! A Truth that transcends places and history for those who know how to find it now! I’m hoping with how this ends means a book 2?! I deeply wish to read more about this interesting family’s mixed times! 😊
November 5, 2020
The Treasure Map by @tylerscotthess was such a good read.
🍂
It follows Jack a ten year old boy who as punishment has to clean out the attic on his Christmas vocation.
Jack and his family were really well written and felt genuine. Jack was a relatable and fun character.
🍂
It also follows Niko an escaped fugitive who was convicted for his faith. Niko's story was very exciting and had me on edge. There are also some really good spiritual themes in here.
🍂
This is a middle grade book (I think I'll get my younger brother to read it) but I would recommend it to anyone.
I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.
🍂
It follows Jack a ten year old boy who as punishment has to clean out the attic on his Christmas vocation.
Jack and his family were really well written and felt genuine. Jack was a relatable and fun character.
🍂
It also follows Niko an escaped fugitive who was convicted for his faith. Niko's story was very exciting and had me on edge. There are also some really good spiritual themes in here.
🍂
This is a middle grade book (I think I'll get my younger brother to read it) but I would recommend it to anyone.
I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.
November 4, 2019
With the Christmas season right around the corner, there will be plenty of Christmas books hitting the shelves. But there has never been a Christmas story quite so unique or different as Tyler Scott Hess’s The Treasure Map.
When I saw the cover reveal for this book, I thought it was an autumn-ish story, but then I reminded myself that Hess is obsessed with Christmas. Like, a bit over-the-top obsessed. Not that I’m complaining. And it turned out, it was. But, I guess you could say that The Treasure Map isn’t entirely a Christmas story. After all, while the story is about Jack, a boy who is stuck cleaning out the attic during Christmas vacation, it is also about Niko, and escaped ‘criminal’ fighting to survive, making this book perfect for not only the Christmas season, but any other time as well.
Hess executed his story very well, interspersing Niko’s and Jack’s chapters in a balanced way to keep the reader interested. He portrayed a good enough balance between showing and telling, allowing the reader to connect with his characters. And the dystopian feel of Niko’s chapters was certainly a fun twist. Overall, I enjoyed the story, and would recommend it to anyone who’s ready to get started on the Christmas hype when it isn’t even Thanksgiving yet.
NOTE: This objective review was based on a complimentary pre-release copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When I saw the cover reveal for this book, I thought it was an autumn-ish story, but then I reminded myself that Hess is obsessed with Christmas. Like, a bit over-the-top obsessed. Not that I’m complaining. And it turned out, it was. But, I guess you could say that The Treasure Map isn’t entirely a Christmas story. After all, while the story is about Jack, a boy who is stuck cleaning out the attic during Christmas vacation, it is also about Niko, and escaped ‘criminal’ fighting to survive, making this book perfect for not only the Christmas season, but any other time as well.
Hess executed his story very well, interspersing Niko’s and Jack’s chapters in a balanced way to keep the reader interested. He portrayed a good enough balance between showing and telling, allowing the reader to connect with his characters. And the dystopian feel of Niko’s chapters was certainly a fun twist. Overall, I enjoyed the story, and would recommend it to anyone who’s ready to get started on the Christmas hype when it isn’t even Thanksgiving yet.
NOTE: This objective review was based on a complimentary pre-release copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 5, 2019
Jake Monroe was like any typical 10-year-old around Christmas time; snowball fights and sledding with his friends enjoying the season in anticipation for presents and family traditions. Unfortunately for Jake, his report card showed up as well, and the punishment he received was much different than any he had before in Author Tyler Scott Hess’s, “The Treasure Map.”
Jake could not believe he was given the task of cleaning out the attic in their family home that had been passed down to them from their grandparents. Nothing but old clothing, furniture and other things that had no true value, and Jake was not happy about it at all. However, his first day of cleaning revealed a trunk with a treasure map that took Jake on the adventure of a lifetime.
Each time Jake would read the old papers and maps, the story would take him on a journey far too dangerous for a kid his age, but once the adventure began, it was hard not to go back and pick up where he’d last left off. He experienced whatever Niko Monroe did, learning life lessons through faith in the King that would certainly stay with him for the rest of his life.
I recommend “The Treasure Map” to readers who love adventure and Christian stories that teach faith, trust, and love.
Jake could not believe he was given the task of cleaning out the attic in their family home that had been passed down to them from their grandparents. Nothing but old clothing, furniture and other things that had no true value, and Jake was not happy about it at all. However, his first day of cleaning revealed a trunk with a treasure map that took Jake on the adventure of a lifetime.
Each time Jake would read the old papers and maps, the story would take him on a journey far too dangerous for a kid his age, but once the adventure began, it was hard not to go back and pick up where he’d last left off. He experienced whatever Niko Monroe did, learning life lessons through faith in the King that would certainly stay with him for the rest of his life.
I recommend “The Treasure Map” to readers who love adventure and Christian stories that teach faith, trust, and love.
November 3, 2019
I agreed to write this objective review and received a complimentary pre-release copy in doing so. This is the first book I have read of Tyler Scott Hess’s.
Jack Monroe is a 10-year-old boy who is giving the task of cleaning out the attic as punishment for a poor report card. All the while his siblings are enjoying their Christmas vacation. Little does he know that all the hard work will be worth his while in the end. While going about his punishment young Jack comes across a treasure map and a letter that transports him into another time involving the Faithful. Niko, a prisoner of the State escapes punishment due to an earthquake. He encounters the Elder who among others are determined to prove the wrong doings of President Shah.
As the story continues, Jack is drawn more and more to the letter and the treasure map. He soon discovers the fate of the Faithful and his own father.
Tyler Hess does an awesome job of bringing the two stories together and keeps the reader anticipating the next series of events.
I recommend this book to young readers and adults. I love the season of Christmas and look forward to reading more of Tyler Hess’s books.
Jack Monroe is a 10-year-old boy who is giving the task of cleaning out the attic as punishment for a poor report card. All the while his siblings are enjoying their Christmas vacation. Little does he know that all the hard work will be worth his while in the end. While going about his punishment young Jack comes across a treasure map and a letter that transports him into another time involving the Faithful. Niko, a prisoner of the State escapes punishment due to an earthquake. He encounters the Elder who among others are determined to prove the wrong doings of President Shah.
As the story continues, Jack is drawn more and more to the letter and the treasure map. He soon discovers the fate of the Faithful and his own father.
Tyler Hess does an awesome job of bringing the two stories together and keeps the reader anticipating the next series of events.
I recommend this book to young readers and adults. I love the season of Christmas and look forward to reading more of Tyler Hess’s books.
October 28, 2019
I enjoyed reading The Treasure Map.
The characters are wonderful and the story filled with imagination. I love how Jack discovers the pages that transport him to another time. The story moves back and forth between Jack and Niko and I found it hard to put down to find what happens next. There is a good message about family, friendship and faith. I highly recommend this book for all age groups.
This objective review was based on a complimentary pre-release copy.
The characters are wonderful and the story filled with imagination. I love how Jack discovers the pages that transport him to another time. The story moves back and forth between Jack and Niko and I found it hard to put down to find what happens next. There is a good message about family, friendship and faith. I highly recommend this book for all age groups.
This objective review was based on a complimentary pre-release copy.
November 8, 2019
This was a pleasure to read and discover the world that Jack falls into! I think this author did a great job of switching between Jack and Niko and how Jack keeps it going. Loads of action and details of a different world that will keep you turning the pages. Definitely will leave you thinking deeply about the meaning and pondering the lessons we can learn from it all! It felt like an allegory to me and I enjoyed the message. A wonderful creation!
November 8, 2019
Was it possible for an escaped convict to be a hero? That's the question asked by a boy who finds a map in an old trunk in the attic. Cleaning up the attic during Christmas break was punishment for less than stellar grades, but leads to a challenging mystery from an earlier time, connected to the boy's ancestry. Boys and girls alike will be intrigued by this well-told and suspenseful story.
The author, Tyler Scott Hess, is also fun to follow on Instagram.
The author, Tyler Scott Hess, is also fun to follow on Instagram.
January 27, 2020
Highly entertaining but with a meaningful undertone. My ten year old son and I read this together and he told me, "This is the best book I've ever read!" This story is perfect for preteens who are interested in adventure and suspense. I'm looking forward to reading more from Tyler Scott Hess.
January 28, 2020
I think Treasure Map is a book that will be much enjoyed by preteens. The topics will resonate with younger readers. It would be a great book to read aloud in the family. The book was full of action and a main character with whom preteens and early teens can identify. I can envision once reading this book some 10-12 year olds will be begging to go clean their attic.
December 18, 2019
Fun Christmas adventure!
Engaging story with adventure and mystery intertwined within. Enjoyed seeing Jack’s maturing process and relationship with his family. Recommend it!
Engaging story with adventure and mystery intertwined within. Enjoyed seeing Jack’s maturing process and relationship with his family. Recommend it!
April 2, 2020
When a bad report card leads to Jack spending Christmas vacation cleaning out the attic, the last thing he expected to find was a map and letters that magically whisked him away to another place and time. Suddenly he's seeing events through the eyes of Niko, a young man who lives in a time when the Faithful are persecuted and even publicly executed in an annual celebration. Niko miraculously escapes this execution and then joins a group of rebels who are determined to expose the evils of the State.
I really didn't know what to expect when I started reading this novella and found that I quite enjoyed it. By the time Jack had visited the other world twice, I was hooked and really wanted to know what would happen. I can't say the characters were all that engaging, but to be honest, I didn't really notice while I was reading it. It was a quick, enjoyable read.
By comparison, the "real world" became a bit dull and monotonous. Jack's plight to clean out the attic was only made slightly more interesting by his inventiveness as he tried to get through it more quickly. But even that didn't bother me too much, so it must have been less dull than reading about cleaning an attic sounds like it would be. I think the shorter length of the story might have helped with that.
On the other hand, the story in the other world became a bit rushed and muddled in the last quarter or so, so I think in that area, more pages would have helped. It lost a bit of its excitement for me because of this. And the ending was a little confusing.
I'll just say a few things about the style and editing, which I don't generally let affect my rating with a self-published book. I'm not saying that there is no burden of responsibility here, but it's harder for self-published authors. There were some grammar issues, but for me, this area really came down to narration and tense. The first chapter reads like standard fiction--3rd person, past tense, seemingly limited to Jack. Then at the end, it becomes more omniscient, conversational. This crops up again one other place, but I think it would have been better if it had been more consistent. And in the other world, the writing is 1st person and present tense. But at some point in the second half of the book, I began to notice areas where it slipped into past tense. All of these things, and some of what I mentioned above, tell me that the book could have used a bit more editing.
None of that detracted enough from the book for me to not enjoy it overall, though. It was a real adventure and a cautionary tale. My guess is that the "Faithful" are meant to be Christians, but to be honest, the Christianity in the book is incredibly light. You could almost insert any real or fictional religion. And one more thing--before Jack even went to the other world for the first time, I noticed a couple of references to Calvin & Hobbes, in that Jack's little brother's name was Calvin, and there was a girl Jack's age named Susie that was only really in the story to be the Susie Derkins of this book. I made a note to watch out for any hint of a tiger, to verify that it wasn't a coincidence, and then it turned out there was a character later named Hobbes! (I thought it was great, by the way.) I would recommend this for fans of Christian fantasy & adventure books.
I really didn't know what to expect when I started reading this novella and found that I quite enjoyed it. By the time Jack had visited the other world twice, I was hooked and really wanted to know what would happen. I can't say the characters were all that engaging, but to be honest, I didn't really notice while I was reading it. It was a quick, enjoyable read.
By comparison, the "real world" became a bit dull and monotonous. Jack's plight to clean out the attic was only made slightly more interesting by his inventiveness as he tried to get through it more quickly. But even that didn't bother me too much, so it must have been less dull than reading about cleaning an attic sounds like it would be. I think the shorter length of the story might have helped with that.
On the other hand, the story in the other world became a bit rushed and muddled in the last quarter or so, so I think in that area, more pages would have helped. It lost a bit of its excitement for me because of this. And the ending was a little confusing.
I'll just say a few things about the style and editing, which I don't generally let affect my rating with a self-published book. I'm not saying that there is no burden of responsibility here, but it's harder for self-published authors. There were some grammar issues, but for me, this area really came down to narration and tense. The first chapter reads like standard fiction--3rd person, past tense, seemingly limited to Jack. Then at the end, it becomes more omniscient, conversational. This crops up again one other place, but I think it would have been better if it had been more consistent. And in the other world, the writing is 1st person and present tense. But at some point in the second half of the book, I began to notice areas where it slipped into past tense. All of these things, and some of what I mentioned above, tell me that the book could have used a bit more editing.
None of that detracted enough from the book for me to not enjoy it overall, though. It was a real adventure and a cautionary tale. My guess is that the "Faithful" are meant to be Christians, but to be honest, the Christianity in the book is incredibly light. You could almost insert any real or fictional religion. And one more thing--before Jack even went to the other world for the first time, I noticed a couple of references to Calvin & Hobbes, in that Jack's little brother's name was Calvin, and there was a girl Jack's age named Susie that was only really in the story to be the Susie Derkins of this book. I made a note to watch out for any hint of a tiger, to verify that it wasn't a coincidence, and then it turned out there was a character later named Hobbes! (I thought it was great, by the way.) I would recommend this for fans of Christian fantasy & adventure books.
October 23, 2020
When trying to find books for kids that are at that "in-between" stage, around 10-14 years of age, it can be difficult to find material that is engaging and fun for them to read. This is a gem! Not only is it filled with exciting action for the boys, it carries the elements of mystery and drama for girls. This is universally enjoyable, and as an adult, I THOROUGHLY savored it. I read it in a matter of a few hours, and couldn't put it down. As a parent of four, this book was a breath of fresh air. It included underlying life lessons, as well. Mr. Hess has a personal obsession (just check his social media!) with Christmas, and he incorporates it perfectly as the season for the story setting. It adds charm and warmth.
The main character, 10-year-old Jack, is relatable as an active, typical boy. He stumbles upon a treasure map while having to learn some responsibility by cleaning the attic. In a tale that transports Jack through time to the future, he begins to live out the adventures of a boy named Nico, part of a rebellion group known as the 'Faithful'. The story goes back and forth between the present and the future, between Jack and Nico, but it is very well written. The transitions are smooth, and the story evolves in such a way that it is easy to keep the timeline in order. Without spoiling the plot, the basis for the story is rooted in good faith, good morals, and learning to make good decisions. And at the end, you'll be anxiously awaiting the second book. I'm hoping this grows into a substantial anthology!
The main character, 10-year-old Jack, is relatable as an active, typical boy. He stumbles upon a treasure map while having to learn some responsibility by cleaning the attic. In a tale that transports Jack through time to the future, he begins to live out the adventures of a boy named Nico, part of a rebellion group known as the 'Faithful'. The story goes back and forth between the present and the future, between Jack and Nico, but it is very well written. The transitions are smooth, and the story evolves in such a way that it is easy to keep the timeline in order. Without spoiling the plot, the basis for the story is rooted in good faith, good morals, and learning to make good decisions. And at the end, you'll be anxiously awaiting the second book. I'm hoping this grows into a substantial anthology!
December 8, 2020
The Treasure Map by Tyler Scott Hess is a unique and vividly interesting time-slip novel. And while I got the vibe that the story was directed more to the Young Adult genre, I found myself completely immersed in Jack and Niko’s story. I have read several time slips, but this one is unique in that Jack (the middle-school-aged-boy) actually gets to live out Niko’s story when he is transported in a vision to the land of Ariel and learns first-hand the persecution Niko suffers because of his faith.
The contrast between the normal, loving family environment of Jack vs. the life-threatening, oppressive reality that Niko lived is stark and impactful. It makes the reader grateful for the freedoms we have and our ability to worship our God without the severe persecution mention in this story. It is eye-opening, and is a good lesson no matter your age.
I really enjoyed reading this story, and I am looking forward to seeing what Jack will discover about Niko in the next book in the series, The Compass. The structure and plot lines of the story are so unique, it is unlike anything I have read in quite awhile. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading Christian fiction/Young Adult Christian Fiction.
I was given a copy of this book by the author with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.
The contrast between the normal, loving family environment of Jack vs. the life-threatening, oppressive reality that Niko lived is stark and impactful. It makes the reader grateful for the freedoms we have and our ability to worship our God without the severe persecution mention in this story. It is eye-opening, and is a good lesson no matter your age.
I really enjoyed reading this story, and I am looking forward to seeing what Jack will discover about Niko in the next book in the series, The Compass. The structure and plot lines of the story are so unique, it is unlike anything I have read in quite awhile. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading Christian fiction/Young Adult Christian Fiction.
I was given a copy of this book by the author with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.
February 25, 2021
A Gripping Read
Wow!! This is my first time reading this genre and this author, and I was not disappointed! I was drawn into the story from the start and couldn't turn the pages fast enough. For me, it was quite intense as I'm not used to this kind of reading. I couldn't help but laugh at Jack's punishment of cleaning out the attic, and I loved watching his imagination roar to life to make the task more enjoyable. Then when he discovered the chest and map...oh, I didn't want to put the book down. I will warn you: there is a major cliffhanger at the end, and I'm so glad The Compass was already published so I could pick right back up!
Wow!! This is my first time reading this genre and this author, and I was not disappointed! I was drawn into the story from the start and couldn't turn the pages fast enough. For me, it was quite intense as I'm not used to this kind of reading. I couldn't help but laugh at Jack's punishment of cleaning out the attic, and I loved watching his imagination roar to life to make the task more enjoyable. Then when he discovered the chest and map...oh, I didn't want to put the book down. I will warn you: there is a major cliffhanger at the end, and I'm so glad The Compass was already published so I could pick right back up!
December 6, 2021
Wish I had spotted the "Christian" tag.. now it felt like a bait-and-switch to, in the final chapter, shove some religion down my throat.
The dual timeline was well done, although I was more interested in Jack's story than the (main) fantasy story about rescuing the prisoners in Ariel.
Not for me.
The dual timeline was well done, although I was more interested in Jack's story than the (main) fantasy story about rescuing the prisoners in Ariel.
Not for me.
March 1, 2023
This was an easy and enjoyable read. The back and forth time hop kept the story moving and made me want to turn the page to see what would happen next in both characters' lives. I also loved how the author wove faith into the storyline and the message of standing up for what is right and true no matter the cost. Definitely a book I'll be giving to my son when he's older.
December 12, 2020
I liked the whole idea of the book but the characters are not fully developed and I realized that because I was not loving them I was not really interested in their trials. The end is not credible in my opinion but I will continue reading the author to see how the story grows
January 7, 2021
This book was listed under “Christian fiction and nonfiction“ I know there’s a lot of sects out there that call themselves Christians, but the celebration of holidays is pagan. I’m sure the story is spectacular if you can get past that. I was just sorely disappointed.
September 9, 2021
Exciting
A story that kept me engaged and involved. I couldn't put it down. A story of a boy who, through an old letter, experiences his families history and learns an important lesson about life.
A story that kept me engaged and involved. I couldn't put it down. A story of a boy who, through an old letter, experiences his families history and learns an important lesson about life.
October 18, 2021
Intriguing
Excellent captivating YA novel! I was on the edge of my seat to find out what happened next and how the characters were connected. I love the message of fearless faith as well. We should all be so brave!
Excellent captivating YA novel! I was on the edge of my seat to find out what happened next and how the characters were connected. I love the message of fearless faith as well. We should all be so brave!
October 9, 2020
enthralling!
I could not put this book down, read it in one morning. I love books about the past & this kept me hooked! Loved the storyline! Didn't want it to end.
I could not put this book down, read it in one morning. I love books about the past & this kept me hooked! Loved the storyline! Didn't want it to end.
December 12, 2025
My review for The Treasure Map
I absolutely loved it! An awesome story! A refreshing story on faith! Amen! God is great! This a must read series! I can’t wait for the next book!
I absolutely loved it! An awesome story! A refreshing story on faith! Amen! God is great! This a must read series! I can’t wait for the next book!
October 1, 2025
The Treasure Map by Tyler Scott Hess is the first title in The Adventures of Niko Monroe series, and is an original and captivating timeslip novel that was honestly not anything like what I was expecting.
When ten year old Jack receives the punishment of having to clean out his family's attic during the Christmas holidays, he's pretty put out to say the least. However, the adventure turns into something much more when he discovers an old map in a treasure chest that soon pulls him (literally) into a story that doesn't seem to make much sense at first glance. As the story continues to pull Jack in however, he's soon invested in finding out what happened to Niko Monroe and his friends amidst their quest to stand firm in their faith despite living in dangerous times where it's not safe to do so.
This interesting, fantasy read pulled me into the story as much as it did Jack, and I had a hard time putting it down.. I ended up finishing the majority of it within one sitting, and I was quite impressed with the author's atmospheric writing style. It stressed the importance of faith despite difficult circumstances, and I loved how it was tied in around a child learning this importance during the Christmas season when the tendency to stress materialism can unfortunately strike all of us.
All in all, this was a wonderful title and I'm looking forward to continuing on with the rest of the series shortly. My only slight complaints were the fact that I thought it was maybe a bit too graphic to be aimed at the younger middle grade range, and also, I was expecting the ending to wrap up a bit better, but I guess it's just a good thing I already have the second book!
Definitely give this one a try if you're a fan of faith based, adventure novels.
Final Rating: 4/5.
When ten year old Jack receives the punishment of having to clean out his family's attic during the Christmas holidays, he's pretty put out to say the least. However, the adventure turns into something much more when he discovers an old map in a treasure chest that soon pulls him (literally) into a story that doesn't seem to make much sense at first glance. As the story continues to pull Jack in however, he's soon invested in finding out what happened to Niko Monroe and his friends amidst their quest to stand firm in their faith despite living in dangerous times where it's not safe to do so.
This interesting, fantasy read pulled me into the story as much as it did Jack, and I had a hard time putting it down.. I ended up finishing the majority of it within one sitting, and I was quite impressed with the author's atmospheric writing style. It stressed the importance of faith despite difficult circumstances, and I loved how it was tied in around a child learning this importance during the Christmas season when the tendency to stress materialism can unfortunately strike all of us.
All in all, this was a wonderful title and I'm looking forward to continuing on with the rest of the series shortly. My only slight complaints were the fact that I thought it was maybe a bit too graphic to be aimed at the younger middle grade range, and also, I was expecting the ending to wrap up a bit better, but I guess it's just a good thing I already have the second book!
Definitely give this one a try if you're a fan of faith based, adventure novels.
Final Rating: 4/5.
November 16, 2019
Thumbs up. I would put this in the teen section of the library, 7 to 9 th grade. A fast paced read.
People that like the Maze Runner or Michael Vey will enjoy this book
People that like the Maze Runner or Michael Vey will enjoy this book
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